Kohli reveals RCB have identified players to retain for next season

15 May 2017

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli revealed that the team management has already identified players that they want to retain for next season.

After finishing as runner-up in 2016, a dismal season saw the Bangalore franchise register just three wins this year and finish last in the league table. The star-studded batting line-up of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Shane Watson failed to deliver the goods this year, and the bowling, which was never RCB’s strong suit, failed to impress yet again.

Speaking after the win against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday (May 14), Kohli said it was a forgettable season for the side and that they will take the break to start fresh as a franchise.

“It has been a season to forget and reflect on. We have to start fresh as a franchise. Maybe a blessing in disguise. Depends on how many players we can retain. But we do have guys who we have identified. Some guys who have showed right kind of attitude and the mindset to go out there and perform under pressure situations,” Kohli said.

While De Villiers was a mainstay in the middle order after he returned from a back injury, Shane Watson and Chris Gayle were competing for the fourth overseas player spot. RCB were dealt a massive blow when KL Rahul was ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury after the Test series against Australia. An injury to teenager Sarfaraz Khan reduced their impact players in the middle order. In the bowling department, Mitchell Starc had pulled out of the tournament to recover before the Champions Trophy, which led to the addition of Tymal Mills.

Given the big names RCB possess in the squad that have not performed this season, it will be interesting to see which players are retained next season.